Spokesman Ben Nichols explained: "For a substance or method to be prohibited, it must meet two of three criteria: enhance performance; pose a threat to athlete health; violate the spirit of sport."

He added that Wada had consulted scientific and medical experts who "were unanimous in their view" that thyroid medication did not meet the criteria needed to ban it.

Explaining why the decision had left her organisation "disappointed", Ukad chief executive Nicole Sapstead said: "Ukad formed the view, along with a number of other national anti-doping organisations, that thyroid medication, if used without a genuine medical need, is harmful to health.

"It can be used in a manner which is contrary to the spirit of sport and, in some circumstances, can be considered performance enhancing.

"This is third year that Ukad have submitted a proposal for thyroid medication to be added to the prohibited list. Ukad will continue to work with global partners and consider our next steps in due course."